Lugging around a giant wheeled suitcase is a nightmare when you’re dealing with constant travel, cobblestone streets, and busy intersections. Backpacking is a great way to see the world and save money at the same time. When all you have is your lightweight backpack and an itinerary, there’s no limit to where you can explore. But being prepared for a great backpacking trip is a multi-step process.

Step 1: Buying the Best Travel Backpack

The first step to a great backpacking experience: buying the best travel backpack available. The Sherpa Wheeled Backpack with Zipoff Day Pack is a traveler’s best friend. Not only is it a wheeled backpack, providing endless convenience, it’s also a very packable backpack. Some of its versatile features include:

• Two wheels and an extending handle for quick and easy maneuverability.
• A separate small zip-off daypack for carrying essentials.
• Padded back support with compression straps and a stability bar.
• Slide water bottle and utility pockets.

Step 2: Creating a Packing List

Packing for a long backpacking experience can be an exercise in frustration. When all you have is your travel backpack with wheels, you don’t have a lot of room for error. The key thing to remember is to pack light. The heavier your backpack, the harder it will be to lug around with you to each location. The list below is a great place to start for your clothes. Future blogs will contain a more detailed and extended packing list.

• Shirts: Up to five wrinkle resistant shirts. Long sleeved or short sleeved depends on the season of your travel.
• Pants: Two pairs of pants. Typically choose something lightweight. Remember that jeans are heavy, take up a lot of room, and dry slowly.
• Underwear and socks: Take five to seven sets (one for each day of the week).
• Shoes: Bring two pairs of shoes: one sneaker or walking shoe and one sandal. Make sure both pairs are well broken in before you travel.
• Jacket: Bring a lightweight and water-resistant jacket.
• Sleepwear: Be sure to bring something comfortable and easy to carry, such as cotton pajama shorts and a tank top.

Other potential clothing items include a swimsuit, tie or scarf (to provide a little dressiness to your wardrobe), and a sweater or fleece for winter travel. No matter how you decide to pack, keep in mind that, less is more. When the only item you have with you is your backpack, it needs to be light and ready for every situation. And don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs.

You can download a customisable packing list here.

Step 3: Packing Your Packable Backpack

Once you have your backpack of choice, and your packing list, it’s time to pack it with the essentials. Consider purchasing and using packing organizers to keep all of your items contained throughout the trip. Use small packing cubes to keep track of your toiletries. Medium packing cubes can hold undergarments and dirty clothes between laundry days. Large packing cubes are great for shoes and other items that need to be kept separate from your typical items.

Step 4: Test Your Backpack

Finally, before you head out on the open road, take your packed backpack for a spin. Can you lift it easily? Is it simple to pack and repack? Do you have enough room for items you may pick up during your travel? The last thing you want to do is suffer from a horrible backpacking experience because you left anything up to chance.

Backpacking is a great way to see the world. When you don’t have to worry about checking in large rolling luggage, it’s easy to take off to unknown locations for day trips or even extended weekends. When you’re looking for the best backpacking experience possible, contact Zoomlite. They can help you find the perfect backpack and packing accessories, so your trip is top notch.